Christmas in Gloucestershire is set to be spectacular in 2023, with plenty of festive things to do for the whole family and all the over-indulgence you could hope for.
SoGlos’s handpicked selection of Christmas events in Gloucestershire will help you make the most of the festive season in the county, from Christmas lights and where to meet Santa to the very best pantomimes in the region. Oh yes it will!
Christmas events in Cheltenham
Christmas launch party at The Brewery Quarter
When and where?
Get ready for the official start of the festive season at The Brewery Quarter's Christmas Launch Party on Saturday 25 November 2023.
What's happening?
The Brewery Quarter kicks off the Christmas season with five hours of free family entertainment, including the Lakeside Primary School Young Voices choir singing carols; performances from the Variations Dance Academy; circus skills from Thomas Trilby; and the chance to get a selfie with Star Wars characters and Disney princesses.
Up-and-coming bands RIVES and Crispin plus Brewery Quarter favourite, The Mark Walby Band, provide live music into the evening to get audiences up and dancing, with a mix of festive tunes and crowd-pleasing covers.
But the most special guest on the night is, of course, none other than Father Christmas himself, bringing a sleigh full of Christmas cheer — and guaranteed snow showers!
SoGlos loves
While the party marks the official launch of the festive season at The Brewery Quarter, there's plenty more going on in the run-up to Christmas, too, including more chances to meet Santa on Saturday 2, 9 and 16 December 2023.
The important bits
The Christmas Launch Party takes place from 2pm to 7pm and is free to attend.
How to book
For more information, see Christmas Launch Party at The Brewery Quarter, or to book family activities and restaurant tables, visit thebreweryquarter.com.
Christmas shows at the Everyman Theatre
When and where?
See Tweedy take on the role of Mother Goose this festive period, on stage at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre from Friday 24 November 2023 through until Sunday 7 January 2024.
What's happening?
Cheer on Tweedy as he takes on his biggest challenge yet when he plays Mother Goose in this year's panto — and there's more than 50 opportunities to see the Gloucestershire's famed clown on stage!
With dazzling costumes, impressive sets, upbeat musical numbers and a sprinkling of the Everyman Theatre’s must-see magic, Mother Goose promises a special pantomime experience for the entire family this winter.
Starring Tweedy the Clown once again this year, the highly anticipated and energetic show is sure to be one of the highlights of Christmas 2023 for Gloucestershire families and theatre-lovers alike.
SoGlos loves
As well as the annual panto, families visiting the Everyman Theatre this Christmas can also enjoy a magical show in the intimate setting of The Irving Studio Theatre, when A Christmas Carol comes to the stage. Bah humbug!
The important bits
Performances for Mother Goose start at various times between 11am and 7pm from Friday 24 November 2023 through until Sunday 7 January 2024.
Ticket prices start from £10.
How to book
Visit everymantheatre.org.uk or call (01242) 572573.
The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse
When and where?
Enjoy two days of exhilarating racing and plenty of festive family fun as The Christmas Meeting comes to Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December 2023.
What's happening?
Perfect for sports-loving families, The Christmas Meeting provides two days packed with festive entertainment for all the family alongside some of the absolute best winter racing action.
Racing fans will be thrilled by top class competition on the track, with seven races taking place each day including one of the most significant hurdle races of the season, plus The December Gold Cup.
Club/Tattersalls ticketholders and their little ones have the chance to meet Santa and his elves and have a go at Christmas crafts; while the Got2Sing choir perform Christmas carols to get everyone in the festive spirit and a spectacular living snow globe glides gracefully through the Best Mate Plaza, for an incredible Christmas treat.
SoGlos loves
Cheltenham Racecourse's new 'walk-in' restaurant, The Mandarin, is now open, serving an upmarket menu of seasonal dishes like Scotch eggs and local burgers, with magnificent views and no reservations required. Prices start from £65 per person for two courses, with children’s meals offered at half price.
The important bits
Gates open at 10am on both days, with the first race at 12.05pm on Friday and 12.10pm on Saturday.
Tickets cost from £12 for the Best Mate Enclosure or from £22.50 for the Club/Tatts Enclosure.
Under 18s can come along for free with a paying adult.
How to book
For more information, see The Christmas Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse, or to buy tickets, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham.
Swing into Christmas concert at Cheltenham Town Hall
When and where?
Have yourself a fun festive jive at the unmissable Swing into Christmas concert at Cheltenham Town Hall on Wednesday 6 December 2023.
What's happening?
Down for the Count’s sell-out shows feature a 30-piece ensemble of award-winning vocalists and instrumentalists, with its extra special Christmas performance bringing the swing era to life with festive favourites from the likes of Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, among many other 20th century greats.
SoGlos loves
Croon away to popular Christmas numbers such as I've Got You Under My Skin, The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting) and It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas and bop along to faithful recreations and original arrangements of hits like ‘S Wonderful, Santa Baby and Let’s Face the Music and Dance.
The important bits
The concert starts at 7.30pm on Wednesday 6 December 2023, with doors opening for access to the bar approximately one hour before.
Tickets cost £30 per person and a booking fee of £1.50 applies to each ticket.
How to book
Visit cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk.
Christmas events in the Cotswolds
Christmas markets, meals and tipi parties at The Dial House Hotel
When and where?
Head to idyllic Bourton-on-the-Water for charming Christmas meals, markets and celebrations at The Dial House Hotel & Restaurant to enjoy a truly unforgettable festive experience in the heart of the Cotswolds.
What's happening?
Whether you’re embarking on a Christmas break in the Cotswolds, shopping for unique gifts, or planning a festive get together, expect a memorable experience when Bourton-on-the-Water is at its most beautiful.
Throughout December, visitors can enjoy a delicious set Christmas menu, or sample one of The Dial House's daily festive specials in its restaurant.
Along with plenty of fantastic food and drinks, there's also the chance to get some Christmas shopping ticked off your list with two Christmas markets at Maxi’s Tipi on Friday 1 December 2023 from 4pm to 7pm, to coincide with the Christmas lights switch on, as well as on Friday 15 December 2023 from 5pm.
Order a glass of mulled wine and tuck into mince pies while browsing market stalls full of crafts, hampers, sweet treats, artwork, jewellery, pampering products, gifts and much more, all from local businesses.
SoGlos loves
If you’re planning a Cotswolds Christmas party for more than 20 guests, Maxi’s Tipi Lounge is the place to be! Savour three courses of Christmas bowl food and festive small plates, enjoyed over two hours of informal dining in the stunning space located in The Dial House's garden. Maxi's Tipi offers free hire for groups over 40, too.
Or for a truly unforgettable festive break, treat yourself to a stay at The Dial House Hotel between Saturday 23 and Tuesday 26 December 2023 in one of the hotel's stunning rooms. Devour a delicious breakfast each morning and delight your taste buds with a meal in the classically Cotswolds hotel restaurant.
The important bits
The Christmas menu is available throughout December 2023.
Christmas breaks are for a minimum of two nights.
How to book
Call (01451) 822244 or email office@dialhousehotel.com.
Christmas activities at Batsford Arboretum
When and where?
Father Christmas is returning to his magical grotto at Batsford Arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh on Saturday 2, Sunday 3, Saturday 9, Sunday 10, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 December 2023 — with The Big Batsford Elf Hunt taking place from Friday 1 December 2023 to Sunday 7 January 2024.
What's happening?
Meet Santa Claus at the enchanting grotto tucked away at Batsford Arboretum in the run-up to Christmas. Little ones can smile for an 'elfie' with the man of the hour and get a personalised gift to take home, with meet-and-greets taking place in small groups of up to six children.
The annual Big Batsford Elf Hunt is back for the season, too, with mischievous elves hiding all around the arboretum and the chance to win a prize if you can find them all!
With acres of natural winter wonderland to explore, it’s not just the kids who will enjoy a day out at Batsford this Christmas either — with a garden centre packed with present ideas and freshly baked treats in the Garden Terrace Café.
SoGlos loves
With both real and premium-quality artificial Christmas trees for sale, there’s also a chance to buy the perfect fir or spruce to put your presents under at Batsford Arboretum.
The important bits
The Big Batsford Elf Hunt costs £3 per participating child, in addition to Batsford Arboretum's standard admission fees. Tickets to Santa's grotto cost £10 per child, with 30-minute slots available to book from 10am to 2.30pm.
How to book
Visit batsarb.co.uk/santas-grotto to book tickets to meet Santa.
There's no need to book ahead for The Big Batsford Elf Hunt, but tickets to Batsford Arboretum can be booked online at batsarb.co.uk/tickets.
The Gateway Ice Rink at Cotswold Water Park
When and where?
The Gateway Ice Rink is open from Friday 24 November 2023 to Wednesday 3 January 2024, with skating sessions running every day aside from Christmas Day and Boxing Day. It's located at Cotswold Water Park, next to The Gateway Café and Information Centre.
What's happening?
Skaters can hit the ice at the Cotswolds' only all-weather ice rink this winter when the Gateway Ice Rink returns to Cotswold Water Park, with skating sessions for all ages and abilities.
As well as classic ice skating sessions set to Christmas tunes, The Gateway Ice Rink also offers sensory-friendly skating where the music is switched off, the lighting is reduced and there's 50 per cent less skaters on the ice. The rink is fully accessible for wheelchair users, too — and anyone who needs a carer will be able to bring them along at no additional charge.
New for this year, Tots on Ice sessions are designed with first-time skaters in mind, allowing parents with children under eight to try ice skating with the rink at 50 per cent capacity, for a safer first experience. Meanwhile, Snow Princess sessions give kids the chance to skate to music from much-loved films, joining Snow Queen Elsa and Princess Anna on the ice.
SoGlos loves
After stepping off the ice, refuel with a hearty bite to eat, with plenty of choice from the food and drink options on-site, including wood-fired pizzas from Pizzeria 720 and Bratwurst hot dogs from The Sizzle Shack; as well at breakfast, brunch and lunch from The Gateway Café's fabulous menu.
Not forgetting dessert, there's doughnuts and waffles with decadent toppings from The Donut Stop — plus, grown-ups can sip mulled wine and spritzers at The Hideout Lakeside Bar.
The important bits
Skating sessions are 45 minutes long and cost £14.95 for adults and £11.95 for children under 12. Skate aids can be purchased on the day for an additional £5.
For health and safety reasons, there's an age limit of three-years-old for the classic, sensory-friendly and Snow Princess sessions; however, Tots on Ice sessions allow children of any age, at the discretion of their parents.
How to book
Visit gatewayicerink.co.uk.
Christmas events at the Corinium Museum
When and where?
Explore the supernatural tales of midwinter or tap into your crafty side at the Corinium Museum this Christmas, with special seasonal events taking place on Thursday 30 November and Saturday 16 December 2023.
What's happening?
Get into the Christmas spirit at the Corinium Museum and explore supernatural tales this winter during its Christmas Ghosts event. Folklorist Kirsty Hartsiotis takes attendees back to the earliest winter tales of the Middle Ages and the age of Shakespeare and Marlowe to the lost years of the 17th and 18th centuries, where it’s often thought that Christmas wasn’t celebrated much — but ghost tales at Christmastide were an important part of the season...
In the 19th century, many traditional Christmas ghost tales were collected and, even now, it’s considered one of the spookiest times of year — you may well come away with a shiver running down your spine and with stories to share around your fireside this Christmas!
During the exploration, Kirsty draws on midwinter tales from all around Gloucestershire and explores links with European midwinter traditions.
SoGlos loves
There's something for the little ones too this festive season, with the museum hosting a morning of Christmas mosaic making. Crafty kids will explore the museum taking inspiration from the Roman mosaic collection, creating a mosaic tile to take home using colourful and safe glass tiles.
The important bits
Christmas Ghosts takes place on Thursday 30 November 2023 at 7pm, with tickets costing £9 per person. Please note, this is an adults-only event.
Winter Mini Mosaics takes place on Saturday 16 December at 10.30am, with tickets costing £12 per child. This event is suitable for children aged eight and above.
How to book
For more information, visit coriniummuseum.org.
Christmas events in Gloucester
Winter markets and outdoor ice rink at Gloucester Quays
When and where?
Gloucester Quays becomes a winter wonderland this festive season, with weekend winter markets throughout November and December and the return of the outdoor ice rink, too.
What's happening?
Taking place every weekend from Saturday 4 November until Sunday 17 December 2023, Gloucester Quays Winter Markets bring an eclectic selection of more than 90 of the south west's finest traders to Gloucester, offering everything from festive food and drink to handcrafted Christmas decorations and gifts to browse and buy.
Then the magical outdoor ice rink is back from Friday 24 November 2023 to Sunday 7 January 2024, giving shoppers a chance to glide around on the ice, snap a selfie in the Santa's Sleigh photobooth and warm up with a hot chocolate or a mulled wine and some tasty street food when they come off the ice.
SoGlos loves
Offering up to 70 per cent off the recommended retail price of premium brands like Levi's, All Saints, Joules, Hobbs, Ted Baker, The Fragrance Shop and The North Face, it's the ideal place to shop for Christmas gifts, party outfits, cosmetics and more at fantastic prices you won't find anywhere else in the county.
The important bits
Gloucester Quays Winter Markets are free to attend and open from 10am to 6pm Saturday and 10am to 5pm Sunday.
Tickets to the outdoor ice rink cost £11.50 for adults; £9.50 for children aged 11 to 16; £9 for children aged three to 10; and £9 for a wheelchair user and a carer, with a variety of timed sessions available to pre-book online.
How to book
For more information, see Winter Markets at Gloucester Quays and Outdoor ice rink at Gloucester Quays; or to book tickets, visit gloucesterquays.co.uk.
Advent and Christmas at Gloucester Cathedral
When and where?
Gloucester Cathedral is inviting everyone to 'hear the angels sing' this festive season, with a programme of Christmas events spanning traditional carol services to the return of its spectacular Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night, with the Advent Carol Procession starting proceedings on Sunday 3 December 2023.
What's happening?
From Saturday 9 December 2023, the beautiful building will be bedecked with Christmas decorations to celebrate the season, with giant Christmas trees in the Nave and the Quire; its famous Cloisters being decorated from top to bottom, each with its own theme; and its popular Knitivity making a welcome return, too. There's a Christ-mouse trail for families to follow with a prize to collect once you've found them all, too.
The cathedral's popular Carols on the Hour event also takes place on Saturday 9 December 2023 with 30 minutes of beautiful music from the cathedral's choirs taking place every hour, on the hour from 11am until 3.30pm. Then on Saturday 16 December 2023, the Chapter House hosts a free day of Victorian-inspired festive arts, crafts and carols all about the Christmas story.
For a truly unforgettable experience, don't miss the chance to step inside the cathedral after dark to witness its spectacular Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night on selected dates through December, when the historic building becomes a rainbow of light and colour with illuminations around every corner — with the chance to take a candlelit tour of the atmospheric Library or climb to the top of the Tower, too.
The cathedral is also hosting a number of traditional church services welcoming everyone wishing to worship, with Carol Services, a Family Crib Service, Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Eucharist all taking place during Christmas week.
SoGlos loves
Treat yourself to a festive Nativi-tea from The Monk's Kitchen when you visit between Friday 1 December 2023 and Saturday 6 January 2024. Priced at an affordable £15.50 per person, it includes homemade mince pies and fudge; scones with jam and clotted cream; savoury sandwiches; and of course, that all-important glass of mulled wine.
The important bits
Gloucester Cathedral is open to visitors from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 5pm Sunday, with some areas being closed off from 2.30pm for Evensong.
The Advent Carol Procession on Sunday 3; Carols on the Hour on Saturday 9; the Cathedral Carol Services on Friday 22 and Saturday 23; the Family Crib Service on Saturday 23; Midnight Mass on Sunday 24; and Christmas Day Eucharist on Monday 25 December 2023 are all free to attend and don't require pre-booked tickets, but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Christ-mouse trail is available during the cathedral's regular opening hours from Saturday 9 December 2023 until Sunday 7 January 2024 and is free, with trail sheets available from the welcome desk.
Christmas Crafts and Carols Family Activity Day at the Chapter House is also free to attend and doesn't require pre-booking, with activities taking place from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Then the Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night takes place on Saturday 9, Friday 15, Saturday 16, Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 December 2023 with tickets costing £7 for adults and £3 for children aged six to 17-years-old. Library unwrapped tickets cost £12 per adult and £6 per child and Tower unwrapped tickets cost £20 per adult and £10 per child. Regrettably, neither the Tower nor the Library are accessible to those with mobility requirements.
How to book
For more information, see Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night, or to book tickets, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
Christmas events at The Fairview Gardener
When and where?
Visit Santa in his enchanting Christmas grotto or take part in a festive carol service at The Fairview Gardener in Gloucester on various dates from Saturday 25 November to Saturday 23 December 2023.
What's happening?
Get into the Christmas spirit at The Fairview Gardener this winter, offering three truly magical experiences for families to celebrate the season.
Children can meet Santa inside his cosy grotto and take part in festive crafts and activities, with a yuletide gift waiting for every lucky visitor; or enjoy waffles and hot chocolate with him in the Tea Room, for the chance to chat with the jolly king of Christmas over a sweet treat and receive a special present.
Bringing even more holiday spirit, wrap up warm for a feelgood sing-along as Churcham Church brings a Christmas carol service to The Fairview Gardener for one night of traditional festive tunes.
SoGlos loves
As well as fun-filled events, the independent garden centre has a wide variety of real Christmas trees in stock, so you can round-off your festive day out with the perfect tree to take home and decorate.
The important bits
Kicking off on Saturday 25 November 2023, Santa’s cosy grotto costs £8 per child and is open every Saturday and Sunday up to Christmas, excluding Christmas Eve, from 12pm until 3pm.
Waffles with Santa costs £10 per child and is available on Wednesday 13 and Wednesday 20 December 2023.
Carols at The Fairview Gardener takes place on Thursday 14 December 2023 at 6.30pm.
How to book
There's no need to book for the grotto — just turn up on the days that Santa is in the store. Booking is essential for Waffles with Santa and can be made through the Tea Room.
For more information, visit facebook.com/thefairviewgardener or call The Fairview Gardener on (01452) 750436.
Stories with Santa at National Waterways Museum Gloucester
When and where?
Ho, ho, ho! A very jolly Father Christmas is returning to the National Waterways Museum Gloucester this December to meet festive fans for the well-loved stories with Santa experience.
Starting on Saturday 2 December 2023, Santa will share a 30-minute experience for little ones to enjoy along with their carers in a group session with other families.
What’s happening?
Listen to Santa tell a Christmas story and then collect a present from the man himself. You can take snaps of your youngster with Santa, too.
SoGlos loves
New this year is a late afternoon session to experience Gloucester Docks as it starts to get dark and the lights become atmospheric and magical, adding a little more sparkle to the experience.
The important bits
The 30-minute sessions will run at various times throughout December 2023. Tickets cost £12.50 for one child and up to one adult and also include entry to the museum on that day. Babies are welcome to meet Santa for free but they won't receive a present.
There are a wonderful range of festive drinks and cakes available in the cafe and a snowman trail in the galleries, so families can relax in the warm before their Santa experience.
Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your ticket time slot and leave plenty of time to park if you are driving as Gloucester Quays can get very busy during December. Additional adults can pay for standard museum entry on the day or use their annual pass to get in free.
How to book
To book tickets for Stories with Santa, visit waterways-eventbrite. If you have any questions, call (01452) 915676.
Christmas events in Stroud
Christmas events at The Sub Rooms
When and where?
Grab your nearest and dearest for a Christmas-cracker of a time at The Sub Rooms in Stroud, hosting a series of festive events running from Friday 1 December 2023 to Saturday 6 January 2024.
What's happening?
During the winter season, The Sub Rooms will be hosting a series of events with a festive twist, offering families, friends and colleagues the chance to celebrate the yuletide period in style.
Whether you're looking for a special gift, or in search of some inspiration, shoppers need look no further as The Sub Rooms' Christmas markets are back — visitors will find homemade jewellery, heart homeware, original artworks, vintage clothes and food.
Or, wrap up warm, eat, drink and find treats for loved ones at The Sub Rooms Goodwill evening. Along with a charming Christmas market, shoppers will find mulled wine, mince pies and even the chance to meet the big man himself at Santa's Grotto.
For Christmassy creatives, have fun and make a beautiful wreath for your home during The Sub Rooms wreath-making workshops. Using sustainable materials, starting with moss as the base, festive participants will gradually build up their design with seasonal foliage and flowers, making a unique work of art for their door.
Alternatively, take the opportunity to watch one of the venue's many Christmastime shows, from the 'A Very Mari Christmas Party' with Mari Wilson and The Ram Jam Bands' Geno Washington to 'A Christmas Carol' and 'Kim Wilde's Winter Acoustic Tour'.
SoGlos loves
It wouldn't be Christmas without a panto and this year, children and fairy tale fans are in for a treat as a festive production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is headed to The Sub Rooms — and there are more than 30 opportunities to see the show!
The important bits
Dates and prices vary across events at The Sub Rooms.
How to book
Visit thesubrooms.co.uk or call (01453) 796880
Enchanted Garden By Night at Painswick Rococo Garden
When and where?
Discover the wonders of Painswick Rococo Garden after dark, following the illuminated Enchanted Garden By Night trail on selected dates from Thursday 7 December 2023 to Saturday 6 January 2024.
What's happening?
This year, Painswick Rococo Garden is lighting up for Christmas, bringing its popular Enchanted Garden trail back for the festive season — with a twinkling twist!
See its willow-sculpted creatures lit up with sparkling lights, keeping an eye out for unicorns, fairies and friendly dragons, all illuminated against the backdrop of the 18th-century pleasure garden.
Warm up with steaming hot chocolates, topped with marshmallows of course, and snack on seasonal treats after completing the trail; while grown-ups can 'cheers' to the festive season with a glass of mulled wine.
SoGlos loves
As well as exploring the enchanting light trail, make the most of the festivities by searching the Rococo Garden shop for locally sourced Christmas pressies and foodie stocking fillers, made with produce from the kitchen garden. There's even real Christmas trees for sale at Exedra Nursery which is based on-site, too!
The important bits
Tickets to the Enchanted Garden By Night trail cost £15 for adults, £8 for children over four and are free for children under four.
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome and there's no additional cost to bring them along.
How to book
Visit rococogarden.org.uk/the-enchanted-garden-by-night to pre-book tickets.
Christmas activities at Cattle Country Farm Park
When and where?
Father Christmas is bringing the festive magic to Cattle Country Farm Park, with a sack full of Christmas activities taking place at the Berkeley-based attraction from Saturday 2 to Saturday 23 December 2023.
What's happening?
Resting up at his Cattle Country residence before he embarks on his annual round-the-world voyage, Father Christmas is inviting children to visit his grotto, where he'll be handing out presents. There's a place for kids to write their Christmas wish list so they can deliver it to him personally — or post it directly to the North Pole.
Elsewhere, they can sneak a ride on Santa's sleigh for the ultimate festive photo op, have a go at gingerbread decorating and settle down for Christmas story time. Little ones even have the chance to make their own magical reindeer food and get their faces painted with festive designs!
As well as Cattle Country's far-ranging festive activities, Christmas tickets include access to the whole park, with more than enough to keep families busy for a full day. Blow off some steam on the adventure playgrounds, interact with the farm's furry residents and, if the weather's bad, retreat to the new Cowshed indoor play barn where children can explore the climbing apparatus and soft play.
SoGlos loves
Making the festive fun accessible for everyone, Cattle Country is running a relaxed Christmas experience on Monday 18 December 2023, where local SEN schools, groups and families can enjoy the seasonal activities in a quieter and slower-paced setting. There's a reduced capacity, giving each group more time to meet Father Christmas, with less queuing around the park too.
The important bits
Tickets cost £24.50 for children and £15 for adults. Babies in arms are free.
Tickets must be booked online in advance and include all Christmas activities, plus entry to Cattle Country Farm Park from 10am to 6pm. Visitors will need to select their timeslot to visit Father Christmas when booking, but there's no additional charge for this experience.
How to book
Visit cattlecountry.co.uk/christmas.
Breakfast with Santa at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
When and where?
Father Christmas is making his annual visit to Slimbridge Wetland Centre on Saturday 9, Sunday 10, Saturday 16, Sunday 17, Thursday 21, Friday 22 and Saturday 23 December 2023.
What's happening?
Santa's wonderful wetland grotto is back in business this year, with the man himself taking up residence at Slimbridge to meet and greet excited children in the run-up to Christmas. And don't worry, he has plenty of gifts to go round — providing you're on the nice list, of course!
After meeting Father Christmas, head over to the Kingfisher Kitchen for a hearty full English breakfast, to fuel up for a day of exploring Slimbridge's winter wetland wonderland.
There's a host of festive activities planned to make your visit all the more magical, too — from getting involved with Christmas crafts to popping by the Slimbridge post office to send your letter off to the North Pole.
SoGlos loves
From spotting new otter residents, Sam and Tilly, to trying out Slimbridge’s own app, Wetland Heroes, there are all kinds of fascinating exhibits to discover after meeting Father Christmas. Seasonal highlights include watching wild bird feeds from the Peng Observatory, to experiencing life as an explorer in Arctic Adventure.
The important bits
Tickets cost £12 per child and include a visit to Santa's Grotto and a gift; while for adults, it's £9.95. Both ticket options include a full English breakfast.
Children under four can meet Santa for free without a gift. Toast and orange juice can be purchased for an additional £3 or a children's breakfast for £5.
Admission to Slimbridge Wetland Centre is not included and must be purchased separately, costing from £15.90 for adults, £10.45 for children aged four to 17 and free of charge for children under four.
How to book
Visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/breakfast-with-santa to book tickets and see Breakfast with Santa at Slimbridge Wetland Centre for more information.
Christmas events at Eastwood Park
When and where?
Get ready for a festive bonanza at Eastwood Park throughout November and December 2023.
What's happening?
For a wonderfully festive day the whole family will enjoy, Eastwood Park is throwing open the doors on Saturday 9 December 2023 for its Christmas Open House.
With a range of local stalls to get some shopping done, as well as plenty of delicious food to keep you going while you take part in the yuletide fun, the venue is hosting its annual Santa Christmas treasure hunt, too, with a chance to win a prize.
If you're looking to keep the kids occupied, the craft room is a perfect choice — the kids activity band also includes unlimited access to all the fun family activities on the day, such as Christmas cookie decorating, a colouring competition and lots more.
Alternatively, get creative at Eastwood Park and join one of its popular wreath making sessions this year. On Sunday 26 November and Sunday 3 December 2023, participants can get their artistic heads on to make their own Christmas door decorations — followed by a festive prosecco afternoon tea.
SoGlos loves
Adult entry to the Christmas Open House is free and includes a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie on arrival — just the thing to get you into the Christmas spirit!
The important bits
The Christmas Open House takes place on Saturday 9 December from 11am to 3pm and entry is free, with a surplus charge of £3.50 per child for a kids activity band.
Wreath making takes place on Sunday 26 November and Sunday 3 December 2023 and costs from £45 per person.
How to book
Call (01454) 260207, email events@eastwoodpark.co.uk, or visit eastwoodpark.co.uk/Christmas.
Christmas events in Tewkesbury
Beauty And The Beast pantomime at The Roses Theatre
When and where?
The Roses Theatre brings a tale as old as time to Tewkesbury as Beauty And The Beast takes to the stage from Saturday 2 December 2023 to Saturday 6 January 2024.
What's happening?
With catchy songs, big laughs and a story that's been captivating the hearts and minds of audiences for centuries, Beauty And The Beast at The Roses Theatre promises to be an unforgettable festive family experience this Christmas 2023.
Its annual pantomime has a reputation for uproarious comedy and calamitous capers, with this year's show sure to follow suit. Written by TV and radio comedy writer Miranda Walker and performed by a diverse and talented cast, through all the laughter, it hopes to remind everyone that true beauty lies within.
SoGlos loves
This beloved family fairytale gets a grown-up twist as The Roses Theatre's adults-only pantomime is back for 2023, too, with a special version of Beauty And The Beast especially for over 18s being performed every Friday evening in December 2023.
The important bits
Tickets for Beauty And The Beast cost from £18 with special offers for families and groups and concessionary rates available.
There is a sensory and dementia-friendly performance on Sunday 17 December 2023 and a BSL signed performance on Wednesday 3 January 2024.
Adults-only performances take place on Friday 8, 15, 22 and 29 December 2023.
How to book
For more information, see Beauty And The Beast at The Roses Theatre, or to book tickets, visit rosestheatre.org.
